Donald Chalmers Willis' Obituary
Don Willis, a reputable businessman in the Memphis building community for more than 50 years, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022, while under hospice care at his home in Collierville, Tennessee.
Don graduated from Central High School and attended The University of Memphis. As a proud member of the U.S. Air Force, he traveled all over the world and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
After serving his time in the military, he attended The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, he began a successful career in commercial construction, working for York Corporation and S&W Contracting Company as an engineer.
In 1968, Don started his true passion -- residential construction -- which would flourish throughout the rest of his life. Over the course of the next 50 years, he would build more than 300 homes in and around the Memphis area, earning him a reputation as one of the best builders in the history of the region. His skills were recognized by the Lumberman’s Club of Memphis, which honored him with the coveted "Sylvan Award." He was also a recipient of the "Vesta Award," which is presented to builders and architects for outstanding work by the Home Builders Association of Memphis.
He was always sharing skills he had learned over the years with many of his co-workers during construction.
Donald is survived by his wife, Sylvia Juden Willis, his son John A. Willis and grandson John Willis Jr., and granddaughter Lilah Willis of Yonkers, New York, son Donald R. Willis of Memphis, Tennessee, his stepson, Edward V. Juden II and his wife Lisa, granddaughters Lauren, Brooke and Taylor Juden of Prosper, Texas and his brother William Lindsay Willis of Memphis, Tennessee.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Chalmers James Willis, his mother, Mary Willis, and his brothers James W. Willis and Robert A. Willis and stepson Robert E. Juden Jr., of Memphis, Tennessee.
Funeral will be July 9 at 10 a.m., with visitation July 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home at 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee
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